The United Nations Population Fund called for greater investments in enhancing the capacities of midwives and in expanding the reach of their services as the world observed the International Day of the Midwife on May 5.

UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Klaus Beck said midwives play a critical role in making a health system functional because they are at the frontline of providing essential maternal and newborn health care in communities.

In the bid to reduce maternal deaths in the Philippines, midwives are indispensable partners. Globally, the number of maternal deaths is almost halved to 289,000 from more than 500,000 in 1990. While this progress is welcome, sexual and reproductive health problems remain to be the leading cause of death and disability for women in the developing world.

In the Philippines, maternal mortality ratio increased to 221 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births based on the 2011 Family Health Survey, from 162 deaths in the 2006 FHS.

“In developing countries where a great percentage of women deliver at home, skilled birth attendance is very crucial and midwives play a crucial role in this aspect,” Mr. Beck said.

UNFPA supports global efforts to increase the number of midwives and enhance the quality and reach of their services, including training and hiring, to save millions of lives every year.

“As we prepare for the post-2015 international development agenda, the future we want is one where midwives play their full role in ensuring safe deliveries, promoting health birth spacing, and protecting the health and rights of women and girls,” he added.